Why a Move for Héldon Makes Sense

According to reports, the Revolution are interested in Sporting CP midfielder Heldon, even though he’s barely seen the field this year and didn’t make much of an impact when he joined the team last year. So why would the Revolution be interested in someone who’s struggling to get minutes?

Playing time – or lack thereof – isn’t always an indication of a player’s quality, of course. I think Heldon is a pretty good player who made a name for himself over at Maritimo even helping them qualify for the UEFA Cup (I refuse to call that competition the Europa League, and this is the last time I will ever mention that name again). The thing is, what’s happened to Heldon at Sporting happens all the time. He went to a bigger club and got lost in the shuffle, never really getting a chance to establish himself there.

If the Revolution do make a move for him, it’ll be a good chance for him to play again on a regular basis. As far his skill set is concerned, he’s a creative player who can run at defenders. He can play up top with another forward or play on the wing. In MLS, I think he would be better suited on the wing with his speed and his ability to weave through defenders.

There is also a large Cape Verdian community in the area, I’m sure they’d really appreciate one of their national team players coming over here. It’s worth noting that center back Jose Goncalves is also of Cape Verdian descent, though does not represent the country at the national team level. Either way, I’m sure Heldon would love to have someone else on team who speaks Portuguese.

Of course, the economics here have to work, which I think they could. A loan deal is the most likely scenario. Sporting would probably take on some of the salary with the Revs taking on the rest (much like the agreement that brought Goncalves to New England two years ago).

After the Jozy Altidore-Jermaine Defoe exchange between Toronto FC and Sunderland, there’s been some discussion about a similar deal being orchestrated between the Revolution in Sporting. Here’s the thing: In Portugal it is very rare for a club to trade a player. So the Revolution sending a player like Diego Fagundez to Sporting as part of the deal is highly unlikely. Transfers are done for a fee straight up, and sometimes players go on loan as part of a deal. If the numbers add up, I’d like to see it happen.

I wouldn’t be shocked if the Revs talked to Sporting in regards to former Kansas City midfielder Uri Rosell who has only played in six games this year, starting only one. Of course, the Revolution would probably have to talk to another Sporting – the one in Kansas City – to make it work. It would make a lot of sense in that he is a proven MLS player and he doesn’t seem to be in Sporting’s plans, at least as far as this year is concerned.

Andrew Carreiro writes about the Portuguese Liga for NESoccerToday.com.